Salifu Joel Oyibo, born on 7 May 1967, is a Nigerian politician and former educator who currently serves as the Deputy Governor of Kogi State. A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), he assumed office on 27 January 2024, following the successful election of the Ododo–Salifu ticket in the 2023 gubernatorial race. His emergence as running mate to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo marked a significant step in his political journey, culminating in his succession of Edward Onoja as Deputy Governor.
Before venturing into the upper tiers of public service, Salifu Joel built a respected career as a teacher. His years in the classroom shaped his leadership philosophy, grounding him in community engagement, mentorship, and the practical realities of grassroots development. These experiences would later inform his approach to governance, particularly in areas related to education and human capital advancement.
In his capacity as Deputy Governor, Salifu Joel occupies a central role within the state’s executive arm. He supports the Governor in policy formulation and implementation, represents the administration at official functions, and contributes to decision‑making across key sectors. His portfolio includes advisory responsibilities on state administration, with a particular focus on education, human capital development, and community welfare.
Since taking office, he has been actively involved in initiatives aimed at strengthening the state’s developmental framework. Notably, he was appointed Chairman of the Kogi State Human Capital Development Council, where he leads efforts to enhance skills acquisition, workforce readiness, and long‑term economic empowerment. His public engagements frequently emphasize unity, inclusiveness, and collaboration, with deliberate outreach to community leaders, women’s groups, and faith‑based organizations.
Deputy Governor Salifu has also distinguished himself through his consistent public commitment to supporting Governor Ododo’s administration. He has repeatedly affirmed that his priority is the success of the government’s agenda rather than the pursuit of personal political ambition.
His contributions have not gone unnoticed. In early 2026, he was honored with the National Leadership Award as Nigeria’s Best Deputy Governor for 2025—a recognition of his impactful service, administrative dedication, and leadership within Kogi State.
